Boxing Day Results Sets Up Top Clash Perfectly

Boxing Day`s results which saw leaders King`s Lynn Town held at home by third-bottom St Ives Town and second-placed Kettering Town`s 4-2 win at St Neots Town, sets up New Year`s Day`s encounter between the two perfectly, with just a point separating them now.

Simon Lappin opened the scoring on 30 minutes from a free-kick after Ryan Hawkins had been hauled down on the edge of the box.

But just minutes into the second half the visitors drew level, Danny Watson calmly slotting past Alex Street.

The Poppies had a great start at St Neots when Rene Howe put them in front after just 8 minutes.

Recent signing Lewis Irwin eventually pulled the Saints back on level terms on 58 minutes, only for Howe to restore the visitors` lead 5 minutes later.

Aaron O`Connor stretched the Poppies` lead to 3-1 just 4 minutes later, only for Dylan Williams to reduce the arrears less than a minute later.

But Matt Stevens popped up with the Kettering winner 12 minutes from time.

The top two now possess a three-point cushion over third-placed Weymouth after the Terras were unable to overcome neighbours Dorchester Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

In front of a crowd of 1,885, the Magpies came back from 2-0 down to earn a valuable share of the spoils.

Charlie Davis after 39 minutes and then Brandon Goodship on 69 minutes gave the Terras` their advantage.

But less than a minute later, Antonio Diaz pulled one back and the same player equalised in the 78th minute.

Another bonus for the top two was fourth-placed Hereford FC, who possess games in hand, being held to a goalless draw at Pendydarren Park by battling Merthyr Town.

Although far from being a classic for a terrific crowd of 2,612, the draw did at least help the Bulls reach a landmark of going fifty away league games without defeat.

Fifth-placed Tiverton Town`s game at Ladysmead against Frome Town was abandoned in the second half due to a waterlogged pitch.

It was probably a blessing for Tivvy, as they were 2-0 down at the time!

Slough Town, with games in hand, are five points behind Tiverton in sixth after inflicting a 5-1 hammering on fast-falling Farnborough at Arbour Park.

A crowd of 668 saw James Dobson give the hosts the boost of an early 2nd minute lead.

But it wasn`t until 4 minutes into the second period that Mark Nisbet doubled that lead and 6 minutes later, Nathan Webb added a third.

Chris Flood made it 4-0 with 65 minutes gone on the clock.

Just 4 minutes later though, Boro reduced the deficit through Dan Walker.

But Gavin James made it a nap hand for the Rebels 10 minutes from time.

Slough moved above Hitchin Town after they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Garden Walk against mid-table Royston Town.

Adam Marriott gave the Crows a good start with a goal in the 6th minute.

And Scott Bridges quicky added a second in the 10th minute.

Tremayne Charles pulled one back after 32 minutes, but the home side held firm.

At the other end of the table, Dunstable Town gained a 2-1 victory at the Spencer Stadium against Banbury United to climb off the bottom.

United went in front in the 12th minute through Jack Self.

However, Dunstable responded well and equalised in the 19th minute when a cross by Andrew Osei-Bonsu was headed home by Kieran Ogden.

Dunstable went in front on 74 minutes when after a good save by United goalkeeper Niall Clayton, Peter Kioso was in the right place to knock home the loose ball from close range.

Gosport Borough find themselves back at the foot of the table after losing 3-0 at the Camrose against Basingstoke Town.

Callum Bunting after 33 minutes gave the hosts an interval lead that Sam Smart after 63 minutes and Bunting again 14 minutes from time, added to.

Stratford Town moved up to tenth after winning 2-0 in Tim Harris` first game in charge of Redditch United.

A brace from Ben Stephens in the 34th and 45th minutes eventually proved enough for the visitors.

It finished 0-0 between Kings Langley and Chesham United, while Biggleswade Town and Bishop`s Stortford shared a 2-2 Langford

Reece Fielding gave the Waders an early lead.

The Blues levelled from the spot through Jason Williams after 34 minutes.

A fine strike from Connor Hall restored the home side`s lead 9 minutes after the break, but the visitors earned a point with a 73rd minute Marvel Ekpiteta effort.

Source Pitchero Non League / Steve Wintney